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Object Timeline

1927

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2018

2024

  • You found it!

Covered Box On Stand (China), 1736–1795

This is a Covered Box on Stand. It is dated 1736–1795 and we acquired it in 1927. Its medium is carved lacquer, wood, silk. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Beginning in the 12th century, carved red lacquerware became a popular medium in Chinese decorative arts. Lacquer containing the powder form of the mineral cinnabar (mercury sulfide), applied in dozens, or even hundreds, of layers created a deep vermillion color. The maker would carve the lacquer rather than the wood substrate.

This object was bequest of Mary Hearn Greims. It is credited Bequest of Mary Hearn Greims.

  • Snuff Bottle
  • H x W x D: 5.8 x 3.5 x 2.3 cm (2 5/16 x 1 3/8 x 7/8 in.).
  • Gift of Anonymous Donor.
  • 1952-164-6-a/c
  • Sidewall, Acorn
  • block-printed on paper.
  • Gift of Clifford Murvine, Reed Wallpaper Company.
  • 1977-28-4-a/c

Our curators have highlighted 4 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Snuff Bottle
  • H x W x D: 8.5 x 4 x 2.6 cm (3 3/8 x 1 9/16 x 1 in.).
  • Gift of Anonymous Donor.
  • 1952-164-4-a,b

Its dimensions are

H x diam.: 24 x 34 cm (9 7/16 x 13 3/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Covered Box On Stand (China), 1736–1795; carved lacquer, wood, silk; H x diam.: 24 x 34 cm (9 7/16 x 13 3/8 in.); Bequest of Mary Hearn Greims; 1927-5-27-a/d

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18315581/ |title=Covered Box On Stand (China), 1736–1795 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=27 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>